Zulma Real Estate Insights: August 2025 Market Opportunities in Niagara Falls & Hamilton
Top 5 Key Takeaways
Niagara Region prices slip modestly Average home prices dipped 2–3% YoY in July, while new listings surged, giving buyers and landlords more leverage.
Hamilton sees deeper price cuts: With an 8%+ YoY decline and nearly 5 months of inventory, Hamilton is firmly tilting toward a buyer’s market.
Ontario rental demand resilient: Vacancy rates across Niagara and Hamilton remain under 2%, keeping rents elevated despite cooling sales.
Investor confidence shifting to secondary cities: Markets like St. Catharines and Thorold are attracting investors priced out of the GTA.
Professional property management is in demand: Rising tenant expectations and maintenance needs are driving landlords toward managed solutions.
Niagara Falls: Cooling Prices, Expanding Options
Niagara Falls Market Snapshot — July 2024 vs July 2025
Niagara Falls (Jul ’24 → Jul ’25): HPI eased ~5% while new listings rose ~20%, sales up ~33%, and DOM up to 39 days.
Source: Niagara Association of REALTORS® (NAR), July 2025 & July 2024 statistics.
The Niagara Region continues its shift into a balanced market. July data shows average home prices down 2–3% year-over-year, while listings rose by double digits, signaling greater choice for buyers and property investors.
For landlords and property owners, this cooling phase is strategic:
More affordable acquisitions in Niagara Falls and St. Catharines create room for rental expansion.
Strong tenant demand from retirees, students, and GTA commuters ensures stable occupancy.
Niagara property management services are increasingly valuable for landlords juggling multiple units in a shifting market.
Hamilton: Price Softening Meets Strong Rental Growth
Hamilton Market Snapshot — July 2024 vs July 2025
Hamilton (Jul ’24 → Jul ’25): HPI down ~8.4% while listings rose ~2.8%, sales up ~7.7%, and DOM lengthened to 37.9 days.
Source: Local MLS® monthly statistics (City of Hamilton).
Hamilton’s market tells a slightly different story:
Average home price now sits around $776,000, down 8.7% YoY.
Inventory at 5 months of supply reflects the slowest sales pace since 2010.
New listings are climbing, but buyers remain cautious amid economic uncertainty.
Despite this, Hamilton’s rental market remains hot:
Vacancy rates hover below 2%.
Rent prices for two-bedroom units continue to rise, with increases between 4–6% annually.
Tenant demand is buoyed by young professionals, students, and families priced out of the GTA core.
For landlords, this means opportunities to:
Capture long-term tenants through competitive pricing and upgraded amenities.
Position Hamilton properties for appreciation once transit projects like the HSR Next LRT/BRT network roll out by 2026.
Ontario Rental Market: Stability for Landlords Y23 vs Y24
Ontario Rental Market — Stability for Landlords (Oct 2023 vs Oct 2024)
Ontario (Oct ’23 → Oct ’24): Vacancy edged up to 2.7%, while average and median rents continued to rise; rental universe expanded modestly.
Source: CMHC Rental Market Survey (Ontario), Oct 2023 & Oct 2024.
Across Ontario, the rental market remains resilient despite broader real estate cooling.
Vacancy rates under 2% remain consistent in mid-sized cities like Niagara Falls and Hamilton.
Ontario rental market growth continues to outpace wage growth, underscoring the importance of reliable tenant placement strategies.
This environment highlights why GTA property management and Niagara property management services are increasingly critical. Landlords who invest in professional management can better navigate tenant expectations, rising maintenance demands, and compliance requirements.
Why Property Owners Need Zulma Real Estate
At Zulma Real Estate, we help property owners adapt to these evolving market dynamics by offering:
Property Management Services: Day-to-day operations, tenant relations, and financial oversight.
Maintenance Services: Preventative and responsive solutions to protect asset value.
Tenant Placement: Rigorous vetting to ensure dependable rental income streams.
Your Next Step
For Niagara property owners: Take advantage of softening prices and strong tenant demand to expand your portfolio.
For Hamilton landlords: Position yourself now to benefit from both short-term rental demand and long-term transit-driven appreciation.
Contact Zulma Real Estate today to explore tailored solutions in Niagara Falls, St. Catharines, Thorold, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Hamilton, and the GTA. Let us help you maximize returns, reduce stress, and build lasting value in Ontario’s shifting property market.